Fishing Fundraiser Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Copper Island? The Copper Island Fishing Retreat is located at Clifton Point on Tzartus Island in the Barkley Sound on the west side of Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia Canada. You will not find Copper Island on a navigational chart or map (It is a local nickname for the island). Please look for Tzartus Island and note GPS coordinates below. GPS coordinates to Tzartus (Copper) Island . . . 48 55’ 27.00 and 125 03’ 55.00

2. How do I get there? Copper Island is an island with boat or float plane access only.  The information and directions are detailed on the website.

3. When is the Copper Island Fishing Retreat? The 2019 retreat is scheduled from August 10 -24.

4. What is the cost? The cost per adult is $80 per day. Ages 13-17 is $50 per day. Boys 12 & under are $10 per day. There is a $50 registration fee per person and a one time $25 dollar per person ice fee.

5. What is included in the cost? The cost includes a bed in a nice dry room, good healthy meals, and secure boat moorage.

6. How many attend? Because of facility limitations, attendance is limited to 40 guests per day.

7. What do I bring? Bring a pillow, sleeping bag, towel, fishing gear, wet weather gear, fishing license, cooler, personal toiletries etc. If you need any medication you should bring it with you.

8. When do I have to pay? All money must be received by August 1st for you to be considered as a guest at Copper Island. $75 is due within 30 days of pre-registering to secure your spot. This includes the $50 per person registration fee and the $25 one-time ice fee per person.

9. Can I register now and pay later? Yes, if you want to be a part of the Copper Island Fishing Retreat this year you should register as soon as possible and send in your registration & ice fee. Full payment is due by Aug. 1.

10. I don't have a boat can I still come? The best bet is to find someone who has a boat and talk them into attending. Go ahead and pre-register and let us know of your boat situation. We will try to connect you with a fisherman with a boat looking to share expenses.

11. Are there indoor toilets? Yes, there are toilets and showers available.

12. Can I bring my pet? Only seeing eye dogs are allowed at the retreat.

13. Is there electricity? Yes, there is a limited amount of electricity that is generated on the island. Because we run on generators we ask you NOT to bring hair dryers, curling irons and other non essential high wattage appliances. Please contact us if you need to bring respirators etc.

14. Is alcohol permitted? No alcoholic beverages are allowed at the Copper Island Fishing Retreat. Why? Because we don't want to deal with boat accidents and many of the other potential problems associated with drinking.

15. Can I smoke at the camp? Smoking is allowed outside the buildings for those who must. Because of the fire potential, extreme caution must be used. Also, please no smoking on the dock or close to the boats and fuel.

16. Will I get sea sick? Most people fish in the protected waters of Barkley Sound, which for the most part is calm. If you decide to fish the open ocean we recommend you take something like Dramamine.

17. How old do children have to be? We trust a parent’s judgement on when a child is old enough to spend a significant part of the day fishing on a boat. Please note: Copper Island does not provide any child care. All children and youth are expected to be with their parent or guardian during the retreat.

18. Where do I get fuel? Some people purchase their fuel in the town of Bamfield, which is located eight miles from camp. There is a spot closer called Poett Nook, and we encourage our guests to use this during the fishing retreat.

19. Where can I buy bait? It is recommended that you purchase any bait before you arrive. (Your favorite fishing equipment store)

20. How much gear can I bring? You can bring all the junk you can cram into your boat, just don’t leave it behind. There is plenty of room on the island but we do keep the dock area clean. Remember you'll be weighed down even more on the return trip with fish and ice.

21. Do you accept credit cards yet? No credit cards, just cash/checks.

22. How do I keep fish? You need to bring a cooler to keep and transport your catch. Many guests keep their fish whole and process them upon returning home.

23. Where do I get ice? We have shaved ice available on our dock. There is a one time $25 ice fee per person.

24. Is there a place to go hiking? Yes, there are a few hiking trails and an old copper mine worth exploring on Copper Island.

25. Should I bring bug spray? Bug spray is recommended as a few mosquitos come out in the evenings.

26. Can I go swimming? Our campers swim all summer off the docks. The afternoons are the best time to go for a swim at Copper Island as most guest are still out fishing and it's usually hot weather. Please note: There are no lifeguards on duty during the fishing retreat.

27. Is the food good? The food is always great!

28. Will I have a great time at Copper Island Fishing Retreat? You should have a wonderful time while attending Copper Island Fishing Retreat. Many meaningful relationships and lasting memories have been made the retreat.

29. Where do I purchase my fishing license? Canada is the best place. Many stores sell licenses, such as Walmart or Gone Fishin in Port Alberni. Please remember to purchase a salmon stamp. If you decide to buy an online license please note that you are not allowed to retain a halibut caught in area 23/123. It's better to buy your license in Canada in order to keep halibut.

30. Is there fresh water? Yes. There is potable water on the dock and filtered water at the dining hall.

31. Is there internet available? The internet on Copper Island is for staff and emergency use only. However while on the water you should be able to receive data over your smart phone. I would recommend checking with your phone company on Canada rates to eliminate any costly surprises.

32. What kind of fishing lures and gear should I bring? Anchovies in a teaser head behind a flasher work great, many artificial lures such as Hootchies in white UV and spoons of various sizes/colors are also very productive.

33. What are the Canadian Tidal Fishing regulations? How many fish can I keep? What size do they have to be? Barbless hooks? Check out the official regulations for area 23/123 here. http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca